I'm running my new iMac in virtual 2560x1440 mode, and... it looks pretty darned good

[neilw]

Started off my new iMac using the default resolution: 2240x1260, 2x Retina. Obviously it looks great, and I'm very happy with the additional space compared to my old 1080p 21.5" model.

Today, I decided to try the "More Space" scaled mode:

This runs the display in a scaled 2560x1440 mode, giving the same amount of screen real estate as the 27" iMac (in its default 2x mode).

I have to say, it looks pretty good to me. The text is just a wee bit smaller than my old eyes would like; although I can read it just fine I feel like I might be expending a bit extra effort to do so, and will switch back to the default if I start to experience eye strain. But it looks plenty sharp to me, *way* sharper than my old 1080p screen, and much sharper than my native (non-Retina) 1440p monitor at work, which I use with my Windows laptop. In my younger days for sure I would have had absolutely no problem with it.

Anyway, I encourage folks to try it out.

Oh, just for giggles, I also tried to run the screen at 1x 4480x2520, and... well, no. Just no.

For those unaware, you have access to a full set of virtual resolutions by option-clicking the "Scaled" radio button in the Displays preferences panel.

 

[SsSsSsSsSnake]

Started off my new iMac using the default resolution: 2240x1260, 2x Retina. Obviously it looks great, and I'm very happy with the additional space compared to my old 1080p 21.5" model.

Today, I decided to try the "More Space" scaled mode:
View attachment 1782928
This runs the display in a scaled 2560x1440 mode, giving the same amount of screen real estate as the 27" iMac (in its default 2x mode).

I have to say, it looks pretty good to me. The text is just a wee bit smaller than my old eyes would like; although I can read it just fine I feel like I might be expending a bit extra effort to do so, and will switch back to the default if I start to experience eye strain. But it looks plenty sharp to me, *way* sharper than my old 1080p screen, and much sharper than my native (non-Retina) 1440p monitor at work, which I use with my Windows laptop. In my younger days for sure I would have had absolutely no problem with it.

Anyway, I encourage folks to try it out.

Oh, just for giggles, I also tried to run the screen at 1x 4480x2520, and... well, no. Just no.

For those unaware, you have access to a full set of virtual resolutions by option-clicking the "Scaled" radio button in the Displays preferences panel.

Photos look the same or different ?

 

[tornado99]

I also tried this on a store iMac and it is true that text remains sharp at 2560x1440. However, I found myself moving my head closer to the screen so that 24" became larger than my visual field of view.

There is definitely a limit of how small text can be on a 24" screen, even if it was 500 dpi. Seems 2240x1260 is that limit for me.

 

[za9ra22]

I use mine on 2560x1440, and honestly, it looks really great. I tried the 4480x2520 setting, and was really surprised that it was so crisp, but yeah, too small to use for anything normal, but I can see how it might be useful for a large document such as building plans.

 

[Steve121178]

I presume the new M3 iMacs will have the same options but I might stick with the default as my eyes don't seem to enjoy the luxury of high res options like they once did.